The Yreka Miners football program took part in the elite Gold Beach football camp for five days last week.The camp has become an annual tradition for Yreka and gives the Miners a chance to get ready for the upcoming football season. At the camp, players took take part in a number of drills and scrimmages designed to prepare players for fall football.The Miners open the season Aug. 30 at Trinity.Yreka head varsity coach Orlyn Culp talked about the Gold Beach camp:How did the camp go overall for the Miners?We had a good week. Had the opportunity to look at a number of players to determine where they'll help the varsity get better. We're going to need the juniors and sophomores to step up and make an immediate impact at the varsity level.How many years has Yreka gone to the camp?We've been coming to Gold Beach for 11 years. It's become a real tradition and our players look forward to it.Could you tell me some of the highlights from the camp?Yreka football had a successful camp as it relates to recognition. We won the team lifting competition, and the team speed and agility competition. We were 7-on-7 passing league champions, and we were selected as the overall team champion in the small-school category. On "game night" we played Thurston High School out of Springfield, Ore. (school size 1,600). We struggled to handle their physicality and overall team maturity. After viewing the film, we weren't far off from really competing with the big school, but we didn't have enough little things go our way. Honestly, it was a little frustrating that none of the schools our size (Yreka was the 3rd smallest school of the 15 at the camp) would compete against us. But other than that, it was a great week.Was there any scrimmage that stood out that caught your eye?We competed very well with Thurston, Del Norte and Lassen. Benicia's speed caught us off guard, but we figured it out and finished strong against them as well.How many kids took part for Yreka? There were 67 Miners at camp (38 Varsity, 29 Frosh/Soph). Overall there were 787 boys at camp and one girl.From a coach's perspective, how does this camp help you and the team?It's about building a commitment to team. Our motto this year is: IPFT, which means, I Play For Team. That's what it will take to make it to the next level this year. A complete commitment to Team.I heard that former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe is now coaching a team at the camp. Did Yreka face his squad ? We did not face the team from Summit High School in Bend, Ore. Drew Bledsoe is the offensive coordinator for Summit's varsity. Apparently, he has two sons moving through the program over the next few years.Were there any Yreka players that stood out for you?Kaden Culp and Tyler Currie were selected to the All-Camp teams. Kaden Culp won the lightweight back squat competition. Justin Burch tied for first in the lightweight back bench press competition. Kaden Culp won the skills obstacle course competition, and Alex Meigs won the heavy-weight lineman squat competition. Drew Kannely-Robles was selected for recognition on the All-Camp JV Team. Thomas Bigelow and Braden Whitehouse were recognized by the team for their growth and improvement during the week.their growth and improvement during the week.